Hamburg students honored World War II veteran William Becker of Shoemakersville for his service for Memorial Day.
“Most kids associate Memorial Day as having the day off of school and picnics. We wanted to remind the younger generation what it’s really about. Honoring the veterans who fought, and are still fighting today, to maintain our freedom. Showing them respect, giving back, and just saying the simple words ‘Thank You,'” said Linda Bryant, teacher and director of Hamburg Berks County Intermediate Unit School Age Classroom.
The 24 students from Perry and Tilden elementary and Hamburg Middle School welcomed the 89-year-old veteran to the BCIU school age classroom in Hamburg on May 23.
“For those we love and for our beloved country, we cannot thank you enough. We will never forget. God bless you,” read one of the students.
The students ages 7 to 12 read their letters of appreciation and gave Becker two tickets to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s WWII Weekend in Bern Township which will be held June 3, 4 and 5.
“I will try my best to get to (WWII Weekend) because I enjoy going,” said Becker. “Although the war has been over for many years, I often wish I could see some of the men that I knew.”
Senator Argall also presented a citation to Becker for his service.
“This is their opportunity to meet a genuine hero, a World War II veteran,” said Argall. “It’s one thing to read about it in a text book, it’s another thing here. Today, they met the real thing so I’m really glad they had the opportunity to do that.”
Argall hopes the students gain the understanding that WWII was a very difficult time for our entire nation. It was people like Mr. Becker that ensured our freedom, he said.
“Every day is a good day to honor our veterans,” said Argall. “Today, they had the opportunity to meet a real, live Hamburg hero.”
Regarding Memorial Day, Argall said honoring Becker was a very appropriate thing to do.
“Every day is a good day to honor our heroes,” said Argall.
Becker spoke with the children about the history and importance of WWII as well. He served in the Air Corp. Not a member of a flight crew, he did not fly often. He worked in the motor pool, was a staff car driver and did sheet metal work on airplanes.
“I did a lot of things. That’s the way it was in the service in those days,” said Becker.
He hopes that the students learn from his visit that “WWII was necessary but we hope we never need one like that again.”
Becker enjoyed spending time with the children.
“That really pepped me up,” he said. “They’re nice children.”